ESPN NFL

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

49ers Player Released on Cutdown Pos. Current Team Capacity Brit Miller RB 49ers Practice Squad Kory Sheets RB 49ers Practice Squad Alex Boone OL 49ers Practice Squad J.J. Finley TE 49ers Practice Squad Dobson Collins WR 49ers Practice Squad Dominique Zeigler WR 49ers Practice Squad Terrail Lambert DB -- -- Matt Spanos OL -- -- Pannel Egboh DL -- -- Khalif Mitchell DL -- -- Bill Rentmeester RB -- -- Jacob Bender OL -- -- Kyle Howard OL -- -- Jay Moore LB -- -- Justin Roland LB -- -- Mark Washington LB -- -- Joe Toledo OL -- -- Bear Pascoe TE -- -- Maurice Price WR -- -- Eric Green DB -- --

The tough decisions teams face in reducing their rosters to 53 players sometimes aren't so tough.

"The 49ers released Kory Sheets!" loses some of its drama when Sheets quietly re-signs to the 49ers' practice squad after none of the other 31 NFL teams submit a waiver claim for him.

I've gone through the initial NFC West cut lists -- those players released at the 53-man deadline -- to see which ones have returned to their teams or caught on elsewhere.

The chart shows results for San Francisco.

The 49ers' initial cut list featured only one vested veteran, cornerback Eric Green. The other 19 players had practice-squad eligibility and the 49ers brought back six of them in that capacity.

The remaining 14 players are unsigned.

Offensive lineman Jacob Bender had a tryout with the Seahawks. The Jets showed interest in tight end Bear Pascoe, only to receive another tight end via waivers.

Sheets impressed during the preseason, but the 49ers were stacked at running back with Frank Gore and Glen Coffee. They valued the versatile Michael Robinson far too much to carry a rookie runner on their 53-man roster in his place.

Ex-49ers eligible for practice squad Pos. Jacob Bender OL Alex Boone OL Dobson Collins WR Pannel Egboh DL J.J. Finley TE Kyle Howard OL Terrail Lambert DB Brit Miller FB Khalif Mitchell DL Jay Moore LB Bear Pascoe TE Maurice Price WR Bill Rentmeester FB Justin Roland LB Kory Sheets RB Matt Spanos OL Joe Toledo OL Mark Washington LB Dominique Zeigler WR

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

NFL teams can begin forming eight-man practice squads once released players clear waivers this afternoon.

Every player the 49ers released on the reduction to 53 players -- minus cornerback Eric Green -- possesses eligibility for the practice squad. Tackle Alex Boone, guard Matt Spanos, fullback Brit Miller, defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell and running back Kory Sheets could make sense as options. The team will presumably keep one of the tight ends it released, Bear Pascoe or J.J. Finley. Cornerback Terrail Lambert could provide another option.

Some 49ers fans have expressed to me surprise over Sheets' release in particular. The depth San Francisco enjoys at that position made Sheets' release likely.

We likewise should not be surprised if backup running back Glen Coffee plays sparingly as a rookie. Like Sheets, Coffee showed promise during the exhibition games. But with offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye having already committed to Frank Gore as the workhorse back, there won't be many carries left over.

As long as Gore is healthy and his usually productive self, I think Coffee would have to break long runs when given opportunities to siphon significant carries in the No. 2 role.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Biggest surprise: The 49ers kept only four running backs, two tight ends and eight offensive linemen on the initial cutdown to 53 players, suggesting the team will consider adding players at those positions. This is a power running team, after all. The decision to release both Bear Pascoe and J.J. Finley was a bit of surprise. One of them was expected to serve as the third tight end. Undrafted free agent Diyral Briggs earned a spot at linebacker, edging out Jay Moore. Fullback Brit Miller, running back Kory Sheets and receiver Dominique Zeigler had made positive impressions with fans, but none enjoyed strong roster security. Their releases were not surprising in that context. Coach Mike Singletary had said the 49ers faced few significant roster decisions heading into the final exhibition game. The team did not cut any big-name players.

No-brainers: The 49ers' cut list ran 20 deep and also featured tackle Jacob Bender, tackle Alex Boone, receiver Dobson Collins, defensive end Pannel Egboh, cornerback Eric Green, guard Kyle Howard, cornerback Terrail Lambert, defensive lineman Khalif Mitchell, receiver Maurice Price, fullback Bill Rentmeester, linebacker Justin Roland, offensive lineman Matt Spanos, tackle Joe Toledo and linebacker Mark Washington.

What's next: The 49ers could use a veteran offensive tackle after Marvel Smith retired. They will presumably scan the waiver wire for a fullback. The team will also likely want to add a third tight end.

49ers eligible for practice squad Pos. Perceived Status Terrail Lambert DB Likely cut Reggie Smith DB Keeper Curtis Taylor DB Likely cut Carlos Thomas DB Likely cut Jahi Word-Daniels DB Likely cut Pannel Egboh DL Likely cut Ricky Jean-Francois DL Bubble Khalif Mitchell DL Bubble Diyral Briggs LB Likely cut Scott McKillop LB Keeper Jay Moore LB Bubble Justin Roland LB Likely cut Mark Washington LB Likely cut Brit Miller FB Bubble Matt Spanos OL Likely cut Cody Wallace OL Keeper Jacob Bender OL Likely cut Kyle Howard OL Likely cut Alex Boone OL Bubble Joe Toledo OL Likely cut Nate Davis QB Bubble Glen Coffee RB Keeper Bill Rentmeester RB Bubble Kory Sheets RB Likely cut Alex Romero ST Likely cut J.J. Finley TE Likely cut Bear Pascoe TE Keeper Mark Bradford WR Likely cut Dobson Collins WR Likely cut Maurice Price WR Likely cut Dominique Zeigler WR Bubble

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The quarterback race between Shaun Hill and Alex Smith commands much 49ers-related attention.

The race for the No. 3 job behind them deserves some attention. Veteran Damon Huard has a 15-12 record as an NFL starter. He provides value as an experienced backup. The team also wants to develop fifth-round rookie quarterback Nate Davis.

What to do?

Davis is a project. He will not help the 49ers this season. The question becomes whether another team would sign him to its 53-man roster if the 49ers waived Davis and tried to sign him to their practice squad.

As noted, NFL teams selected 19 quarterbacks in the fifth round from the 2000 through 2008 drafts. Eighteen earned opening-day spots on 53-man rosters as rookies. The Steelers' Omar Jacobs was an exception in 2006, the year Ben Roethlisberger opened on the bench following a motorcycle accident.

The factors that pushed down Davis in the draft -- notably a learning disability that the 49ers see as overstated -- still exist. If teams fear Davis might struggle to learn their system -- and for the sake of this discussion, it doesn't matter if such fears are justified -- the 49ers might have an easier time getting
Davis onto their practice squad.

What would you do?

The chart shows all 31 current 49ers players with eligibility, arranged by position. I left first-round choice Michael Crabtree off the chart because he has not signed with the team.

NFL teams must reduce rosters from 80 to 75 players Sept. 1. They must reduce to 53 players Sept. 5. They can begin forming eight-man practice squads Sept. 6 at noon ET.

As the NFL puts it:

After 12 noon, New York time, clubs may establish a practice squad of eight players by signing free agents who do not have an accrued season of free-agency credit or who were on the 45-player active list for less than nine regular-season games during their only accrued season(s). A player cannot participate on the practice squad for more than three seasons.

The 49ers also face dilemmas at other positions, including what to do at receiver while Crabtree and Brandon Jones are not available, but that third quarterback race stands out.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers' roster appears most interesting at running back and receiver.

The more I think about how much the 49ers want to pound the ball on offense, the more I see them keeping two fullbacks on the Week 1 roster.

Zak Keasey's broken forearm prevents him from becoming part of the equation early, and it's tough to see a team waiting two months for a backup fullback to get healthy. Enter Bill Rentmeester. Formerly of the Chargers, Rentmeester offers what preseason touchdown machine Brit Miller does not: experience at fullback. For the sake of this roster exercise, I'll pencil in Rentmeester for Week 1.

The numbers at receiver figure to swell while the team waits for Brandon Jones to heal and Michael Crabtree to sign and get ready to contribute.

San Francisco 49ers Week 1 Roster Counts since 2003 QB RB WR TE OL DL LB DB ST Fewest 3 4 5 2 8 5 6 7 2 Most 4 7 7 4 10 9 8 11 4 Average 3.2 5.2 5.8 3.2 8.8 7.2 7.3 9.3 3.0 Currently on roster 4 8 12 4 14 9 12 14 4

The chart provides a framework for how many players the 49ers might keep at each position heading into the regular-season opener against the Cardinals.

Here's a quick look at which 49ers players I might keep on the cutdown to 53 players (I made one change, moving Cody Wallace into the group of offensive linemen at Joe Toledo's expense):

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

Hannan from Hershey, Pa., writes: Hey Mike, I've been reading your blog and I had this wacky thought for next year. What if the Seahawks switched to a 3-4 scheme with Jim Mora Jr.? Think about it, we have Kerney on one end, Jackson/Tapp on the other. We can let R. Bernard walk in free agency, I think Mebane has earned a starting job. J. Peterson can be our pass rushing OLB, while Hill (he must be resigned), Tatupu, and another ILB to be named (possibly DD Lewis) can stop the run. It's a crazy and bold idea, but to me it makes sense.

Mike Sando: The Seahawks are looking at coordinator candidates with 3-4 backgrounds, but Jim Mora will run the defense. His background is with the 4-3.

This sets up the possibility of at least running hybrid-type schemes or having the flexibility to use some 3-4 fronts and packages. I see no advantage in making a full conversion to a 3-4, based on the personnel and based on Mora's background.

Patrick Kerney and Darryl Tapp aren't nearly as big or physical as the typical 3-4 defensive ends. Brandon Mebane might be able to play the nose, but the rest of it would be a stretch on a full-time conversion, in my view.

Running a hybrid defense sounds good in theory, though I would rather have a defense play one style effectively than two styles less effectively.

---

Rich from Bellevue, Wash., writes: Heya, Mr. Mike. About the Cards-Panthers game this weekend. Everyone is talking about how the Cardinals' defense will have to match its intensity and discipline and all from last week in order to have a chance this week. But is that really realistic? How much of last week's heroic defensive effort was due to intensity and discipline, and how much was due to them having a "tell" that let them anticipate the snap? Since they won't have that against Carolina, how much of a chance do they really have to match up?

Mike Sando: The Cardinals' ability to get a jump off the snap helped but was not necessarily the difference in that game against the Falcons. More broadly, though, I do think it's unrealistic to expect the Arizona defense to have the same energy level for a full game, minus the home crowd. But we shall see.

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The premise: 'Tis the season when disappointed NFL fans call for their teams to take a longer look at young talent on the roster.

The reality: Teams generally do not have a long list of promising players sitting on their benches.

The 49ers: We take a quick look at the 20 youngest players on the 49ers' roster. Each is listed by name, position and current age, starting with the youngest.

1. Kentwan Balmer, DE, 22: Rookie first-round choice is playing as a backup.
2. Reggie Smith, CB, 22: The 49ers have made him active, but the team has lots of numbers at the position. The team might need Smith in 2009.
   
3. Chilo Rachal, OL, 22: Made first NFL start in Week 12. Coach Mike Singletary said Rachal struggled.
   
4. Josh Morgan, WR, 23: Was starting until a groin injury sidelined him.
   
5. Jacob Bender, OL, 23: Recently signed for depth from the Patriots' practice squad.
   
6. Jason Hill, WR, 23: Moved into the starting lineup at Dallas. Has produced reasonably well in recent weeks.
   
7. Tarell Brown, CB, 23: Would start Sunday if Walt Harris can't play. Brown has played in the nickel and performed to expectations. Also a good specialt-teams player.
8. Patrick Willis, LB, 23: Pro Bowl inside linebacker enjoying another strong season.
9. Cody Wallace, OL, 24: Rookie probably won't get a chance this season.
10. Dominique Zeigler, WR, 24: Has served as the fourth receiver recently and could factor as a return specialist Sunday.
11. Dashon Goldson, DB, 24: Has played extensively in the nickel defense, but a knee injury has sidelined him recently.
    
12. Joe Staley, OL, 24: Starting at left tackle.
13. Ray McDonald, DE, 24: Starting at defensive end.
    
14. Manny Lawson, LB, 24: Top special-teams player is showing signs of improvement on defense. Collected the 49ers' lone sack at Dallas.
    
15. Ahmad Brooks, LB, 24: The 49ers talked about getting some playing time for him, but Lawson's reemergence has put those plans on hold.
    
16. Vernon Davis, TE, 24: Volatile starter has become a touchdown threat recently.
17. Parys Haralson, LB, 24: Has started five games this season and has 4.5 sacks.
18. Frank Gore, RB, 25: He's the 49ers' best player on offense.
19. Michael Robinson, RB, 25: The 49ers have used Robinson at fullback. Robinson is also a key special-teams player.
20. Marcus Hudson, DB, 26: Has helped the 49ers on special teams. Does not figure into the plans in the secondary.

There you have it, a look at the 20 youngest players on the 49ers' roster. At this point, "turning to the young guys" would mean playing Reggie Smith, Jacob Bender, Cody Wallace, Ahmad Brooks, Marcus Hudson and -- health permitting -- Dashon Goldson.

The Rams' decision to play David Vobora at linebacker prompted me to put together this blog entry. I'll put together similar packages on the other teams in the division. Wanted to hit the 49ers first because we've had so much on the Seahawks and Cardinals in recent days.

Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando

The 49ers' decision to place Jonas Jennings on injured reserve could mark the beginning of the end of his time with the team.

The oft-injured offensive tackle stands to earn $4.2 million in salary next season, $4.3 million in 2010 and $5.15 million in 2011. I have a hard time seeing the 49ers shelling out $13.65 million over three seasons for a player who struggles to stay healthy. Jennings has missed 35 games in four season with the 49ers. That total will hit 41 by the end of this season.

With Jennings out, the 49ers signed tackle Jacob Bender from the Patriots' practice squad. The 49ers have already shaken up their line this season. Chilo Rachal looks like a likely starter at right guard in the near future. Adam Snyder has played pretty well at right tackle since Jennings' replacement, Barry Sims, suffered an injury. David Baas did some good things at left guard in the game against the Rams, based on what I saw.